UK Deputy Ambassador Keith Allan visited the North of the Netherlands, as part of his regional engagement programme this week.
His first stop was to the Camp Westerbork Memorial Centre where he thanked staff for their work in remembering the thousands of Jews and other victims who passed through this transit camp on the way to Nazi death camps.
While in Drenthe he met Assen Mayor Marco Out where they discussed the partnership between Assen and Nottingham, which includes the TT Assen.
Continuing his journey further North, Allan met Groningen Mayor Koen Schuiling. Together they talked about the energy transition, migration, and the Deputy Ambassador’s personal connection to Groningen.
Pleased to start my visit to #Groningen with a very warm meeting with Mayor Schuiling. We discussed the energy transition, migration, and shared interest in the city’s history & culture. We have personal connections to the small village of #Baflo – @gem_groningen @ukinnl 🇬🇧 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/O79YZikniM
— Keith Allan (@HCKeithAllan) February 28, 2024
The ambassador also spoke with University of Groningen students where they had an opportunity to learn more about the life of a diplomat and quiz him on the latest developments concerning Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Lastly, Allan paid his respects to the members of the Royal Naval Brigade, who were in Groningen during the First World War and were buried in Groningen Southern Cemetery. He also visited the Groninger Museum, which has in its collection the printed camp magazine of the interned Royal Naval Brigade by Hendrik Werkman from De Ploeg painters collective.
The Northern Times interviewed Allan during his visit and given his vast experience in diplomacy asked him for his perspective on some of the ongoing conflicts around the world.
